ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
1.22 crore Kisan Credit Cards sanctioned with credit limit of Rs. 1,02,065 crore under the special saturation drive
In an effort to buffer the agricultural sector from the shock of COVID-19, a special saturation drive is underway to provide concessional credit to farmers through Kisan Credit Card . As on 17.08.2020, 1.22 crore KCCs have been sanctioned with credit limit of Rs. 1,02,065 crore. This will go a long way in reviving the rural economy and accelerating agricultural growth.
It may be recalled that as part of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package, the Government had announced provision of a concessional credit of Rs. 2 lakh crore which is likely to benefit 2.5 crore farmers, including fishermen and dairy farmers.
Special Service and Features
Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan lauds Union and State Governments for making vaccination programme a success
Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lt Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan today lauded the Central and State Governments for making the vaccination programme a success.
Dr. Tamilisai was the chief guest at an event held at ESIC Medical College Hospital & PGIMSR at KK Nagar in Chennai to mark the successful management of Covid-19 pandemic and Covid vaccination programme. On the occasion, she interacted with students, faculty and employees.
During her interaction, the Governor said vaccination for children above 12 years has commenced today. "Experts have warned that coronavirus might affect children since people above 18 have been vaccinated. Hence, after giving jabs to frontline workers, general public and those in the age group of 15-18, the country is now all set to mark yet another achievement by inoculating children in the 12-14 age group," she said.
Dr. Tamilisai noted that 170 crore doses of vaccines have already been given . Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi had encouraged domestic manufacturing of vaccines and PPE kits under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. During day one of the vaccination drive, there were fears over administering jabs to all and also about the side effects. However now, we have provided vaccines to 150 crore people without any side effects. We have exported jabs to foreign countries as well," she said.
Stating that India has locally produced vaccines and given them free of cost to people, the Governor said this has not been done by any other country. We should appreciate the Central government and the State governments for this, she said, adding that we should express gratitude to the public, scientists, doctors and healthcare workers.
Dr. Tamilisai's husband and senior doctor Shri. Soundararajan, ESI Medical College Hospital Dean Dr. Sowmya Sampath and others were present at the event.
Ministry of Defence
MoD signs contract to procure 11 Airport Surveillance Radars for Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard
Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems Ltd., Mumbai for procurement of 11 Airport Surveillance Radars with Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard on June 03, 2021. The procurement, at a cost of Rs 323.47 crore, will be made under the ‘Buy & Make’ category. The installation of these radars will increase the air domain awareness around airfields and enhance safety & efficiency in flying operations of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
The signing of this contract is an achievement of the Government towards ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and the objectives envisaged in the programme. This would enable absorption of technology, skill development and indigenous manufacture, boosting employment opportunities.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
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President's Secretariat
President of India’s Greetings on the eve of Idu’l Fitr
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Idu’l Fitr.
In his message the President has said, “Greetings and best wishes to all fellow Indians, including those settled abroad, on Id-ul-Fitr that comes in wake of prayers and fasting during the holy month of Ramazan. This festival is an expression of love, peace, brotherhood, and harmony. On this occasion, we reaffirm our belief in sharing with and caring for the most vulnerable sections of society.
Let us carry the spirit of giving  more vigorously at a time when we are faced with an unprecedented crisis created by COVID-19 virus. Let us also resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome this challenge soon.
May this Id-ul-Fitr usher in universal values of mercy, charity and hope in the world!”
Click here to access President's Message in Hindi
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the beginning of holy month of Ramzan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the beginning of holy month of Ramzan.
“Ramzan greetings to everyone. We recall the pious thoughts of Paighambar Mohammad Sahab, who highlighted the importance of harmony, kindness and charity. These are also the virtues the Holy Month of Ramzan stands for”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Defence
SAFEGUARDING SERVICES OF EMPLOYEES OF ORDNANCE FACTORIES
The Government has ensured safeguarding the interests of the employees of Ordnance Factory Board  post corporatization of OFB, inter-alia, in the following manner:-
- It has been decide that all the employees of OFB , belonging to the production units and also the non-production units being handed over to the new Defence Public Sector Undertakings  would be transferred to these DPSU on terms of foreign service without any deputation allowance  initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
- All the employees of OFB Head Quarter, OFB New Delhi Office, OF Schools and OF Hospitals, would be transferred to the Directorate of Ordnance Factories  under the Department of Defence Production, initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
- Till such time the employees remain on deemed deputation to the new entities, they shall continue to be subject to all rules and regulations as are applicable to the Central Government servants. Their pay scales, allowances, leave, medical facilities, career progression and other service conditions will also continue to be governed by the extant rules, regulations and orders, as are applicable to the Central Government servants.
- The pension liabilities of the retirees and existing employees will continue to the borne by the Government.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Digvijay Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/RP/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Education
IIT Kharagpur Alumni Acts as Good Samaritan to Pandemic-hit Temporary Workers, Rickshaw Pullers
Kolkata, April 16, 2021
IIT Kharagpur alumni, more particularly, its foundation at USA has rendered a yeoman’s support for supporting the economically affected unorganised sector economically feeble workers who were badly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. This very alumni has supported more than a lakh people residing in the villages around the IIT kharagpur campus and were very much dependent on the campus for their livelihood.
To do away with the unfathomable employment quandary faced by these poor people since April 2020, the Institute and the Foundation launched the first-of-its-kind public outreach campaign by a higher educational institution. The campaign was inspired by distinguished alumnus and philanthropist Dr. Vinod Gupta who made significant contributions towards the campaign along with Foundation President Ranbir  Gupta, Arjun Malhotra, R N Mukhija, Rakesh Gupta along with close to 1500 alumni from across the globe playing the good Samaritan for the affected people.
“At the IIT Kharagpur Foundation USA, we raised about five hundred thousand dollars to help more than ten thousand workers with food supplies and even cash in some instances so that they could survive the pandemic. We truly appreciate the leadership at IIT Kharagpur. We Kgpians are what we are due to IIT Kharagpur and these workers like ward boys, rickshaw pullers played a very important role during our education,” said Ron Gupta.
While IIT Kharagpur Foundation USA managed the fundraising campaign to support about 10500 needy workers and their families, IIT Kharagpur led the humongous logistics to distribute relief materials. The relief recipients included daily wagers, ward boys in halls, dhobi, small tea shops, rickshaw pullers, domestic help, construction workers, etc. The Institute also supported the sellers of perishable items who suffered losses after a fire incident last summer.
According to Director Prof. V K Tewari “Our self-interests are best served when we serve them in the spirit of pluralism. As we talk of these people being dependent on the campus, the campus also depends on them; they are part of our fraternity. It is vital for us to support every member of our fraternity in whatsoever way we can. It only makes our lives better in the long run. I am thankful to my fellow Kgpians whose altruism has made this initiative possible along with the relentless service of every emergency worker at IIT Kharagpur.”
Ministry of Defence
Lt Gen Bipin Puri takes over as Senior Colonel Commandant of AMC
Lt Gen Bipin Puri took over as Senior Col Commandant of the Army Medical Corps, here today. He assumed the appointment of Director General Armed Forces Medical Services  on 01 November 2017.
Lt Gen Bipin Puri graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps  on 08 December 1979. He completed his post graduation in General Surgery from AFMC in 1985 and MCh from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh in 1993.
He is a paediatric surgeon par excellence with a national standing in the field. He was Associate Professor at AFMC Pune and has served with distinction in Command Hospital  Lucknow & Army Hospital  as Senior Adviser, Professor & HOD. The General Officer has pioneered the NUSS Procedure for Pectus Excavatum deformity in India and has conducted various workshops to showcase the procedure. With a penchant for medical research, the General officer has passionately endeavoured to indulge extensively into diverse facets of Paediatric Surgery & guided many research fellows in their professional journeys.
During his illustrious Service career of more than 38 years, the General Officer has tenanted important staff and command appointments viz. Commandant at 155 Base Hospital, Tezpur, Dy DGAFMS  at 0/o DGAFMS, MoD, Commandant at Command Hospital  Udhampur, Major General  at HQ NC, Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at HQ IDS, MoD, Sr Consultant  at O/o DGAFMS, MoD DG at 0/o DGAFMS, DGMS  at IHQ, MoD , DGMS  prior to taking over as DGAFMS.
The General Officer was awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation in 2010 and the COAS Commendation twice, in 2001 and 2012. The General officer was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India in 2017 in recognition of his meritorious service. The General Officer was appointed Honorary Surgeon to The President of India  from June 2016. For his excellence in medical profession, the General Officer was awarded ‘Double Helical's National Health Awards-2017' by Indian Medical Association, which was presented by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri JP Nadda in May 2017. The Royal College of Surgeons  conferred upon him prestigious Award of Fellowship ad hominem in November 2017.
NAo/Nampi/Rajib
(
Ministry of Coal
Government has Launched Coking Coal Mission to Meet the Demand of Domestic Coking Coal
Target of 140 Million Ton Raw Coking Coal Production by 2030
The details of domestic raw coking coal production and dispatch during 2020-2021 is as under:

|
|
Sector
|
|
Production
|
|
Despatch
|
|
Public
|
|
38.934
|
|
38.150
|
|
Private
|
|
5.853
|
|
5.850
|
|
All India
|
|
44.787
|
|
44.000
The details of domestic raw coking coal dispatch of Coal India Limited  State-wise is as under:

|
|
State
|
|
Despatch in 2021-22
|
|
Despatch in 2022-23
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
0.004
|
|
0.000
|
|
Assam
|
|
0.027
|
|
0.024
|
|
Bihar
|
|
5.784
|
|
1.283
|
|
Chattisgarh
|
|
0.125
|
|
0.000
|
|
Delhi
|
|
0.001
|
|
0.027
|
|
Gujrat
|
|
0.004
|
|
0.000
|
|
Haryana
|
|
2.682
|
|
0.992
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
17.777
|
|
5.375
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
0.151
|
|
0.026
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
0.002
|
|
0.062
|
|
Punjab
|
|
1.323
|
|
0.729
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
0.113
|
|
0.011
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
5.190
|
|
2.155
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
14.579
|
|
2.975
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
0.004
|
|
0.000
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
47.762
|
|
13.659
According to National Steel Policy 2017, to achieve steel making capacity of 300 MTPA  by 2030, ~170 MT coking coal will be required by 2030.
Government has launched Coking Coal Mission to meet the demand of domestic coking coal as projected by the Ministry of Steel and has set target for raw coking Coal production by 2030 as under-
|
|
Company
|
|
Production  by 2030
|
|
CIL
|
|
105
|
|
Others including allocated coking Blocks
|
|
35
|
|
Total
|
|
140 MT
To achieve the above target, the Government has taken steps to explore new coking coal blocks, auction of new coking coal mines, enhancing raw coking coal production and enhancing coking coal washing capacity.
CIL has also taken the following steps to increase the output/production of domestic raw coking coal:
- CIL has undertaken constant efforts to enhance coking coal production by capacity addition of existing coking coal producing mines and by opening new coking coal blocks.
- Mass Production Technology has been introduced in coking coal producing UG mines of CIL to enhance the raw coking coal production.
- CIL has taken steps regarding offering of coking coal blocks for production to private sector  on revenue sharing basis through MDO route.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of India virtually graces the 11th National Voters’ Day celebrations
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, virtually graced and addressed the 11th National Voters’ Day Celebrations, being organised by the Election Commission of India, today . During the event, the President conferred the National Awards for the year 2020-21 and also launched the Election Commission of India’s Web Radio: ‘Hello Voters’ – an online digital radio service.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that on the National Voters’ Day, he would like to remind that we should always respect the valuable right to vote. The right to vote is not a simple right; people around the world have struggled a lot for this. Since independence, our Constitution has given equal voting rights to all citizens without any discrimination on the basis of merit, religion, race, caste. For this, we are indebted to the makers of our Constitution.
The President said that the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Dr. BhimraoAmbedkar, considered the right to vote as paramount. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us, especially our youth, who get the right to vote for the first time, to exercise their franchise with the utmost sincerity and inspire others too to do so.
Praising the Election Commission of India for conducting successful and safe elections in Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh last year during the Covid-19 pandemic, the President said that it is an extraordinary achievement of our democracy. He was happy to note that the Election Commission has taken a number of innovative and timely measures to conduct smooth, inclusive and safe elections.
The National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year since 2011, all across the country to mark the foundation day of Election Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950. The main purpose of the National Voters’ Day celebration is to encourage, facilitate and maximize enrolment, especially for the new voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the day is utilized to spread awareness among voters and for promoting informed participation in the electoral process.
Please click here to see the President Speech
Ministry of Defence
Press Release : Annual Conference and Training Programme at DIAV
The Directorate of Indian Army Veterans  was raised on 14 Jan 2016 at Delhi cantonment. It provides ‘Single Window Redress and Welfare’ mechanism for all Army Veterans and Next of Kin  by constantly interacting with various stakeholders including state governments, MoD , DGR, CGDA, banks, skill building agencies and placement partners across the country.
In order to deliver effective care and support to our Veterans and NoKs, a conference and training programme was organised from 16-17 May 19 at DIAV, Delhi Cantt. The aim of this programme was to discuss existing and future initiatives associated with veterans & NoKs and obtain feedback from officials who are directly handling the veteran affairs.
During the conference and training session recent policies on Pensions, Terms and Conditions, Pay and Allowances were brought up. Clarifications on different types of pensions including disability and family pensions were deliberated. The Job options, opportunities available and actions required to be taken to facilitate the same for army veterans and NoKs were discussed. Various communications means including social media platforms to correspond and reach out to veterans and NoK were highlighted. Need to physically reach out in remotest places by means of frequent small meets than large rallies at few central places was stressed upon.
The stake holders brought out problem areas of pensioners and NoKs, measures required to be taken up by Army with government agencies for resolution and adjudication were brought out. Need for awareness about the automated software like Officers Automated and Structured Information System , Retired Officers Digital Record Archives  and HAMRAZ which were developed for seamless interface, grievance redressal and effective communication were highlighted. Implementation of ‘Year of NoK’ campaign by physically reaching out with small teams to villages where military veterans and NoKs reside to provide them necessary assistance and care was emphasised.
Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar, Adjutant General of the Indian Army, during the keynote address conveyed that since the veterans had given their prime years in the service of the Nation, they will always be our focus.
Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava
For PRO 
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Ministry of Heavy Industries
Automobiles Production Units
As per the information received from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers,the following major multinational companies have entered the Indian market in the last three years:
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Sl. No.
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|
Name of multinational company
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|
Investment made
|
|
1.
|
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KIA Motors
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|
Rs. 8,140 Cr.
|
|
2.
|
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PCA Motors
|
|
Rs. 2,400 Cr.
|
|
3.
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MG Motors
|
|
Rs. 3,000 Cr.
The Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive  Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry in India to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology products and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores over a period of five years.
The automobile sector contributes about 35% to the manufacturing GDP of the country. Further, the Government has an estimate of India’s competitiveness at the global level in automobile sector.
India’s ranking in the world market in terms of Unit Production is mentioned below:
- 2 wheelers, 3 wheelers and Tractors - # 1
- Passenger vehicle - # 5
- Commercial vehicles - # 5
This information was given by the Minister of State for Heavy Industries Shri Krishan Pal Gurjarin a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Rajasthan on 10th May
PM to dedicate and lay foundation stone of infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 5500 crores
Multiple road and rail sector projects to boost connectivity and also facilitate trade and commerce
PM to lay foundation stone for redevelopment of Udaipur railway station
PM to visit Shantivan complex of Brahma Kumaris in Abu Road and lay foundation stone for Super Speciality Charitable Global Hospital
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan on 10th May. At around 11 AM, Prime Minister will visit Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara. At around 11:45 AM, he will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various development initiatives in Nathdwara. Thereafter, at around 3:15 PM, Prime Minister will visit the Shantivan complex of Brahma Kumaris in Abu Road.
PM in Nathdwara
Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs. 5500 crores. The focus of these projects will be on bolstering infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The projects of the road and railway sector will also facilitate the movement of goods and services, thereby boosting trade and commerce and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people in the region.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for road construction projects for upgradation to two-lane in Rajsamand and Udaipur.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for redevelopment of Udaipur railway station, to provide enhanced amenities for the public. He will also lay the foundation stone for gauge conversion project and for setting up of a new line from Nathdwara to Nathdwara town in Rajsamand.
Further, Prime Minister will dedicate three national highway projects to the nation, including 114 km long six lane Udaipur to Shamlaji section of NH-48; 110 km long widening and strengthening to 4 lane with paved shoulder of Bar-Bilara-Jodhpur Section of NH-25; and 47 km long two lane with paved shoulder section of NH 58E.
PM at Shantivan complex of Brahma Kumaris
A special focus of the Prime Minister has been on giving impetus to spiritual rejuvenation across the country. Continuing with the endeavour, Prime Minister will visit the Shantivan complex of Brahma Kumaris. He will lay the foundation stone of a Super Speciality Charitable Global Hospital, second phase of Shivmani Old Age Home and extension of Nursing College. The Super Speciality Charitable Global Hospital will be set up in Abu Road, spread across an area of 50 acres. It will offer world-class medical facilities and will prove especially beneficial for the poor and the tribal people in the region.